BILL NUMBER: ACR 46	CHAPTERED  05/10/99

	RESOLUTION CHAPTER   25
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE   MAY 10, 1999
	ADOPTED IN SENATE   MAY 6, 1999
	ADOPTED IN ASSEMBLY   APRIL 29, 1999
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY   APRIL 29, 1999

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Gallegos
   (Coauthors:  Assembly Members Aanestad, Ackerman, Alquist, Aroner,
Bates, Battin, Baugh, Bock, Brewer, Briggs, Campbell, Cardenas,
Cardoza, Cedillo, Corbett, Correa, Cox, Cunneen, Davis, Dickerson,
Ducheny, Dutra, Firebaugh, Florez, Frusetta, Havice, Hertzberg,
Honda, House, Jackson, Keeley, Kuehl, Leach, Lempert, Leonard,
Longville, Lowenthal, Machado, Maddox, Maldonado, Margett,
McClintock, Migden, Olberg, Oller, Robert Pacheco, Rod Pacheco,
Papan, Pescetti, Reyes, Romero, Runner, Scott, Shelley, Steinberg,
Thompson, Thomson, Torlakson, Vincent, Wayne, Wesson, Wiggins,
Wildman, and Zettel)

                        APRIL 14, 1999

   Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 46--Relative to skin cancer and
melanoma awareness.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   ACR 46, Gallegos.  Skin cancer and melanoma awareness.
   This measure would declare that the month of May shall be
recognized as Skin Cancer Awareness Month in California, and would
encourage all Californians to make themselves and their families
aware of the risk of skin cancer and the preventive measures.  The
measure would also proclaim May 3, 1999, as Melanoma Awareness Monday
in California, to increase public awareness of the importance of
routine complete skin examination to detect early melanoma.




   WHEREAS, Malignant melanoma, a serious skin cancer, is
characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing tanning
cells; and
   WHEREAS, Melanoma has its beginnings in melanocytes, the skin
cells that produce the dark protective pigment called melanin.
Melanomas may suddenly appear without warning, but may also begin in
or near a mole or other dark spot in the skin; and
   WHEREAS, Melanoma generally begins as a mottled, light brown to
black flat blemish with irregular borders, usually at least
one-quarter inch in size.  It may turn shades of red, blue or white,
crust on the surface or bleed, and most frequently appears on the
upper back torso, lower legs, head and neck; and
   WHEREAS, Excessive exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the
sun is the most important preventable cause of melanoma.  Other
possible causes include genetic factors and immune deficiencies.
Malignant melanoma has also been linked to past sunburns and sun
exposure at younger ages; and
   WHEREAS, Melanoma can affect men, women, and children, but
individuals with increased risk include those with fair complexions,
prior significant sunburns, a family member with melanoma, or a high
number of atypical moles; and
   WHEREAS, Atypical moles are unusual moles that are generally
larger than normal moles, variable in color, often have irregular
borders, and may occur in far greater number than regular moles; and
   WHEREAS, The incidence of melanoma has doubled in the last 20
years, and it continues to rise faster than any other cancer in
women, except for lung cancer.  Melanoma is the most common form of
cancer among people between 25 and 29 years of age, and experts
estimate that if the present rate continues, soon melanoma will
strike one in 75 Americans; and
   WHEREAS, Six out of seven skin cancer deaths are from malignant
melanoma.  Advanced malignant melanoma spreads to other organs and
may result in death.  When detected early, surgical removal of thin
melanomas can cure the disease in most cases; and
   WHEREAS, Early detection is crucial.  There is a direct
correlation between the thickness of the melanoma and the survival
rate.  If a melanoma is detected and treated early, the cure rate is
very high.  Generally, as the disease advances, the tumor thickens
and spreads, lowering the survival rate; and
   WHEREAS, Correct aggressive treatment by qualified medical
professionals can lead to positive results; and
   WHEREAS, Melanoma in its early stages may only be detected by
visual inspection.  Dermatologists recommend regular self-examination
of the skin to detect changes in its appearance, especially changes
in existing moles or blemishes.  Additionally, patients with risk
factors should have a complete skin examination annually; now,
therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That the month of May 1999 shall be recognized as
Skin Cancer Awareness Month in California, and all Californians be
encouraged to make themselves and their families aware of the risk of
skin cancer and the preventive measures; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Legislature hereby proclaims May 3, 1999, as
Melanoma Awareness Monday in California to increase public awareness
of the importance of routine complete skin examination to detect
early melanomas.
